Survey: Disney Ready for TV Everywhere

Beta conducted an online survey asking 4,400 cable subscribers in January which cable networks they describe as offering programming they like to watch on a smartphone, iPad or computer. Beta found that 34 percent of respondents said they would like mobile apps for Disney Junior, Sprout and Disney XD. Those networks were followed by NFL Network (33 percent); Cooking Channel (32 percent); and DIY and ESPN (each with 31 percent).

David Goetzl, a blogger with Media Post, says the findings are important for two reasons: One, if programmers are able to charge advertisers based on an aggregate rating for viewing across multiple platforms, those networks could prosper. And two, TV Everywhere consumption could help those networks garner higher affiliate fees from operators.

In other Beta findings related to general popularity of cable networks, Discovery Channel ranked the most popular in the annual brand identity study with 56 percent of subscribers grading it as one of their favorite channels.

History placed second, with 55 percent picking the network as a favorite. It was followed by Food Network (51 percent), H2, Investigation Discovery and National Geographic Channel, which each scored 50 percent. Beta said Nat Geo Wild scored 49 percent, while 48 percent of respondents said either DIY Network, ESPN or Science was one of their favorite channel.